Of course, as well as preparing for France, we have our usual life going on. Right now we are coming up on Roger's retirement and Mardi Gras. Roger's last day of work is February 12. After that, he will be on vacation until April 30, at which time he will officially retire.
February 12 is also the commencement of Mardi Gras weekend, when we will be providing sleeping quarters for about 14 people and feeding about 18. Plus my grand-dog, Bruno. My kids are coming earlier so in reality, the "weekend" starts before that time. I think Eric comes Wednesday and Alicia and Shelli on Thursday. I'm not clear exactly when everybody is leaving. It is always a lot of fun hosting our kids and their friends for this time. We don't care much for Mardi Gras, so we put all our efforts into making it a fun time for others. I have to admit, though, that we are thoroughly exhausted at the end!
Beds are all worked out, food is not. Some of it is very traditional - we have served the same thing for the past 10 years or more! King cake for breakfasts, Cajun roast beef sandwich makings for Saturday lunch to take to Iris and Tucks, chicken lasagna for Sunday lunch. This year we are thinking about a big pot of soup for Thursday night, and some shrimp fettuchini or something similar for Friday night. Monday might be chicken enchilada casserole. I'm thinking about pre-making mini-quiches and sausage balls to supplement breakfasts, plus we have a Cinnabon mix we really need to use up before we go to France. It has been sitting in our pantry for a while because we cannot afford to eat it!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Testing
I feel right now as if my life is divided into three distinct parts:
First, the part between now and July 1, our target date for leaving for France.
Second, July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, our year in France
Third, our life after France.
Part one is moving along with stumbles. We sent to the Louisiana State Police for our background check. The cost is $26 each. We were offered an FBI check through the same application for another $18.50, for a total of $45.50. I called to make sure that we could send one check for both and was assured that we could. That was on January 12. Yesterday, more than two weeks later, we received the applications back, totally unprocessed, with a note stating that the money orders had to be for $26 each, no more, no less. Sigh. Off to the post office today to get two money orders and to resend the applications. Fortunately, we took the precaution of sending for the FBI background checks separately, so they should be here on time.
The next stumble is that we wired our potential landlord 850 euros. However, when the money reached his bank account, the amount deposited was only 830 euros. We are trying to figure out what happened to the extra 20 euros. I am beginning to think that maybe his bank charges him 20 euros to receive a wire. So he should eat it. But I don't know that for sure at this point. More inquiry is needed.
Now for all the things we need for our French long-stay visa: Passport valid for at least six months beyond our planned stay, plus one copy of the main page - check. Long-stay visa application filled out - printed but not completed. A recent passport-size photo - check. Financial guarantee - we have not determined yet exactly how we are going to handle this - a copy of Roger's 401(k) showing its balance should do, but they may want to see something more liquid. A pension statement should do, but I don't think we will have that until Roger retires in May. A note, dated and signed by each of us, stating that we do not intend to have in France a paid professional activity which would require a work permit - not done, but not a problem. Proof of medical insurance coverage valid in France. I think we have this from our trip last fall, but will have to check. Non-criminal background check. Not completed, but applied for. The deed for our house or apartment in France. We have the lease, not yet signed, but we and the landlord are working toward same. SASE for return of passport with visa. Not done yet. $141 processing fee per visa - this can go on a credit card, so check. On-line appointment for personal appearance in Houston - check. We are flying to Houston on March 25, and are counting on all entities to cooperate in getting our documentation to us before that date. Tickets to fly to Houston - check.
First, the part between now and July 1, our target date for leaving for France.
Second, July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, our year in France
Third, our life after France.
Part one is moving along with stumbles. We sent to the Louisiana State Police for our background check. The cost is $26 each. We were offered an FBI check through the same application for another $18.50, for a total of $45.50. I called to make sure that we could send one check for both and was assured that we could. That was on January 12. Yesterday, more than two weeks later, we received the applications back, totally unprocessed, with a note stating that the money orders had to be for $26 each, no more, no less. Sigh. Off to the post office today to get two money orders and to resend the applications. Fortunately, we took the precaution of sending for the FBI background checks separately, so they should be here on time.
The next stumble is that we wired our potential landlord 850 euros. However, when the money reached his bank account, the amount deposited was only 830 euros. We are trying to figure out what happened to the extra 20 euros. I am beginning to think that maybe his bank charges him 20 euros to receive a wire. So he should eat it. But I don't know that for sure at this point. More inquiry is needed.
Now for all the things we need for our French long-stay visa: Passport valid for at least six months beyond our planned stay, plus one copy of the main page - check. Long-stay visa application filled out - printed but not completed. A recent passport-size photo - check. Financial guarantee - we have not determined yet exactly how we are going to handle this - a copy of Roger's 401(k) showing its balance should do, but they may want to see something more liquid. A pension statement should do, but I don't think we will have that until Roger retires in May. A note, dated and signed by each of us, stating that we do not intend to have in France a paid professional activity which would require a work permit - not done, but not a problem. Proof of medical insurance coverage valid in France. I think we have this from our trip last fall, but will have to check. Non-criminal background check. Not completed, but applied for. The deed for our house or apartment in France. We have the lease, not yet signed, but we and the landlord are working toward same. SASE for return of passport with visa. Not done yet. $141 processing fee per visa - this can go on a credit card, so check. On-line appointment for personal appearance in Houston - check. We are flying to Houston on March 25, and are counting on all entities to cooperate in getting our documentation to us before that date. Tickets to fly to Houston - check.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
